by Katie Carnahan and Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory/Biofuels Digest) … The upgraded Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) addresses many of the challenges facing the U.S. bioenergy industry. The research conducted at the facility supports advanced feedstock supply logistics, post-harvest quality management, material handling,
Government Resources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To support the region’s ambition of being the launching point of a large-scale, multi-faceted low-carbon hydrogen economy in Ontario – as Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub – the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership has released the Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub in Sarnia-Lambton Strategic Plan, and it’s well worth a look, a gander, and
by Carlos Anchondo, Miranda Willson, David Iaconangelo, Niina H. Farah (E&E News) … The omnibus bill — which would fund the government at $1.7 trillion for fiscal 2023 — would provide $46.5 billion to DOE to “fund programs in its primary mission areas of science, energy, environment, and national security,” Senate
(Climte Now) with George Peridas, Jonathan Kusel, and Joshuah Stolaroff — In the international carbon offset market, the average price of removing one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere is still below $15 USD, nowhere near enough to cover the costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS). As Dr. Sheila Olmstead (University
(ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)) The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to UN of several countries is lagging behind in achieving 2030 SDG commitments and actions. The pandemic became a bottleneck in the development process of the nations. Like Africa many other countries have expressed interests to
by Louise Lerner (University of Chicago News) UChicago breakthrough creates methane fuel from sun, carbon dioxide and water — For the past two centuries, humans have relied on fossil fuels for concentrated energy; hundreds of millions of years of photosynthesis packed into a convenient, energy-dense substance. But that supply is
(Argonne National Laboratory/Department of Energy) Are you an innovator interested in developing your clean energy or climate tech startup? Applications are now open for the Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) entrepreneurship program, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). CRI is a two-year fellowship program that propels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BioMADE’s mission is to enable domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales, develop technologies to enhance U.S. bioindustrial competitiveness, de-risk investment in relevant infrastructure, and expand the biomanufacturing workforce to realize the economic promise of industrial biotechnology. CEO Douglas Friedman presented these slides at ABLC Next
(California Air Resources Board) The annual statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory is one tool to track progress of California’s climate programs toward achieving the statewide GHG goals. This document summarizes the trends in emissions and indicators in the California GHG Emission Inventory (“the GHG Inventory”). The emissions included in
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has collaborated with the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The International Energy Agency on Oct. 27 released its World Energy Outlook 2022. The report, in part, predicts global biofuel consumption could more than double by 2030 and continue to increase through 2050. According to the IEA, more than 80 countries currently have biofuel blending
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers are designing and developing tailored dual-function materials (DFMs) and the accompanying pressure-swing process for reactive capture and conversion (RCC) of CO2 to directly produce methanol. This will favor lower capital and operating expenses and offer compatibility with a dynamic energy grid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to advance the Technical Readiness Level through experimental and modeling to enhance the efficiencies while assessing the TEA/LCA of a dual functional catalytic porous polymer for simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2 to value added chemicals (formic acid initially) under natural gas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Carbon Capture Center is a centralized test facility providing comprehensive support for technology testing and evaluation, relating to process, engineering, operational, analytical, troubleshooting and maintenance. The NCCC aims to accelerate technology development, scale up, cost reduction and commercialization of CO2 capture, utilization and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to update a 2014 NETL study that quantifies the cost and performance associated with capturing point-source CO2 from industrial plants. It’s a part of the search for CO2 capture, and Sally Homsy and Tim Fout of the National Energy Technology Laboratory presented
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Food Lifeline of Seattle approximately $200,000 to assist in the development of a community-owned anaerobic digester in the South Park neighborhood of Seattle. Anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down organic materials, such as food scraps, manure, and
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems at the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the selection of six projects to conduct research and development that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We have three new centers of excellence to focus upon today. The Center for Camelina In Spain, Camelina Company España, Europe’s largest camelina crop innovator and seed producer, opened their new Innovation Center in Daimiel, Spain. Camelina is grown for use by Camelina Company’s parent
(U.S. Department of Energy) Led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) is a multi-lab collaboration that develops first-principles-based knowledge and tools to understand, quantify, and mitigate the effects of feedstock and process variability across the bioenergy value chain, from the field and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Harvesting and transportation makes up 40 –60% of the delivered cost of SRWC and are an important source of GHG emissions. Harvesting systems are not well developed — throughput decreases up to 65% from harvester to short term storage. Changes in biomass quality and impacts
(Fox 9) A new grant will help 44 gas stations in Minnesota add greener fuel options at the pump. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant from the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program will award more than $6.4 million to 44 service stations to offset the cost
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) CO2 is the ubiquitous feedstock, available from a range of point sources, as well as in the atmosphere. It’s the only feedstock measured in gigatons. Domestic biorefineries emit a very pure CO2 wastestream, and represent an early opportunity for deployment of CO2 utilization technologies. But
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ethanol is an attractive feedstock for middle distillate fuels and chemical products. How do we unlock the potential not only for ethanol-to-jet, but for C3+olefin (ETO) opportunities, and more. Dehydrate, oligomerize, hydrogenate – the path to minimizing capex and opex. Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Zhenglong
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News has arrived from Washington that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. It’s become the US Department of Action, as it turns out, the grand ol’ USDA. Big wins
by Jim Lane (Biofuel Digest) Accelerated catalyst and process development cycle enabling demonstrated performance enhancements in half the time. That’s the bold goal of a DOE project aimed at providing a fundamental insight leading to actionable recommendations for critical catalysis challenges by leveraging world-class synthesis and characterization capabilities across multiple DOE National
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This project funded by the US Department of Energy and led by NREL’s Josh Schaidle aims to Guide existing and future research and development efforts by defining key technical challenges, risks, cost/carbon intensity drivers, and future technical targets for utilizing renewable electricity and CO2to improve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How do we utilize CO2 with cheaper renewable energy? What products can we make? Those are the questions explored in this project funded by the US Department of Energy’s BETO office and led by Jonathan Lo at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Among the differentiators:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biogas is an ancient thing, organisms have been making it for millenia – only in recent decades have we learned to capture and use it to generate on-site heat and power. … … This is the supply of methane as an intermediate feedstock for the
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted its virtual 2021 Project Peer Review on March 8‒12, 15‒16, and 22‒26, 2021. During the event, 271 projects in BETO’s research portfolio were presented, representing a total DOE investment of $662 million across 12 technology areas.
(Biodiesel Magazine) This week’s Biodiesel Magazine podcast features, Mindi Farber-DeAnda, Team Lead of Petroleum & Natural Gas Modeling with U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Interview by Anna Simet, editor of Biodiesel Magazine and hosted by Danielle Piekarski. READ MORE
by Asanga Padmaperuma (U.S. Department of Energy) A research team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory investigates how potassium in biomass feedstocks poisons a catalyst. Their discovery allowed researchers to better understand catalyst health and regeneration during the conversion of feedstocks into biofuels and bioproducts. The creation of biofuels involves a little
by Erik F. Ringle (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) A critical pathway for producing large quantities of low- to negative-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is en route to market following a collaborative research and development agreement between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Alder Fuels. The technology—an advanced pyrolysis process that
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Yeasts play a key role in converting (“fermenting”) sugars from plants into ethanol fuel. But not all yeasts are created equal. Some are better fermenters than others because they can tolerate the harsh conditions of the bioreactors in which they’re used. Clavispora NRRL Y-50464 is
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Advancing Synergistic Waste Utilization as Biofuels Feedstocks: Preprocessing, Coproducts, and Sustainability Workshop covered the topic of municipal solid waste streams as a feedstock for biofuels. The workshop invited stakeholders representing academia, industry, municipalities, and federal agencies involved in waste management, resource and energy recovery, waste utilization, and sustainability.
by Paul Boisvert (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) An international team of researchers, led by scientists at the University of Manchester, has developed a fast and economical method of converting methane, or natural gas, into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure. The method takes place under continuous flow over a
by Chris Dunker (Lincoln Journal Star) Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey have joined the expanding research effort at AltEn to better understand how pesticides used widely in seed treatments move across the landscape. And, by scouring creek beds, studying food webs and sampling tap water from homes near the
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Japan, ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 2.0),” which sets forth safety requirements for ships fueled by methanol, ethanol, LPG, and ammonia. In particular, specific requirements for ammonia-fueled ships have been added to provide guidance for the design of alternative-fueled
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In aviation fuels as elsewhere in life, it’s sustainable, affordable, available, pick two out of three. You can find affordable SAF, but not in big volumes. You can find as much unaffordable SAF as you like. as we know, there’s plenty of petroleum-based jet fuel and the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Understanding and predicting the flow behavior of complex biomass materials and the lifetimes of biorefinery machinery are significant challenges for the bioenergy industry. To help process engineers navigate these challenges, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office’s Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) have developed two
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management is focused on advancing carbon management technologies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through strong public-private partnerships and in a just and sustainable way. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) enables this mission by directing over $12 billion dollars
(CEMEX/NGV Journal) CEMEX USA has added close to 40 low-emission CNF-powered trucks to replace diesel powered vehicles in its Southern California fleet as part of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its value chain by 2050. CEMEX’s new state-of-the-art trucks, which started to be delivered in April, are all powered by
(Renewable Fuels Association) The state of California took an important step toward approving the use of cleaner, lower-cost E15 today (July 15, 2022) by releasing the results of a multi-year study of the fuel’s emissions impacts. The results of the study, which tested 20 vehicles, show that shifting from E10 to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s the perfect fuel, and the perfect vehicle? Can we optimize both at the same time, instead of optimizing one at a time? Researchers associated with the Co-Optima project aim to identify low carbon fuel-engine combinations that increase fuel economy by 35% (light duty) or
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a new pilot program created under President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the development of biobased products that have lower carbon footprints and increase the use of renewable agricultural materials, creating
by Aliyah Kovner (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) … Well aware of the advantages biology has to offer, a group of biofuel experts led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) took inspiration from an extraordinary antifungal molecule made by Streptomyces bacteria to develop a totally new type of fuel that has projected
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory) Decarbonizing agriculture is critical for the U.S. to reach net zero emissions by 2050. A new data-driven approach looks at practices that are good for the earth and profitable for farmers. — The world relies on American farmers to do much more than
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) Biofuels have been proven to emit significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than petroleum-based fuels, and recent scientific studies indicate that net-zero emission biofuels are not only possible, but achievable. Corn ethanol and other biofuels are essential in America’s transition to a clean energy economy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The commercialization of emerging tech, the production of biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products – these are some of the things the USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service is working on. Find out about their Guaranteed Loan Programs, trends they are seeing, the USDA BioPreferred Program,
(E&E News/Politico Pro) Researchers with DOE say gasoline might have to be substituted with biofuels to ensure that climate targets are achieved as electric vehicles slowly phase in. — The U.S. Department of Energy released the results of a six-year initiative that provides a national road map for alternative ways to
(U.S. Department of Energy) America’s car, truck, and train wheels keep turning, while planes and boats take to the skies and oceans, releasing 1.5 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere every year. Breakthroughs from the U.S. Department of Energy Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative could make
(Brazil Ministry of Mines and Energy (Google Translation)) The study is an analytical framework on public policy that will introduce sustainable aviation fuel into the Brazilian energy matrix. — The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the ProQR Project (Alternative Fuels Without Climate Impacts) of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) A demonstration facility has opened in Vienna, Austria, at the site of a waste-incineration plant where syngas from wood waste, sewage sludge and paper-industry residues is cleaned and, using a gas-to-liquid process such as Fischer-Tropsch, converted into a crude oil. This can then be further
by Kelly Davis (Renewable Fuels Association) On May 24, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (REEEAC) held its last Charter 6 meeting. REEEAC advises the Secretary of Commerce regarding the development and administration of programs and policies that expand the competitiveness of U.S. exports of renewable energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research builds public-private partnerships and funds pioneering research focusing on key challenge areas like next generation crops, soil health, advanced animal systems, sustainable water management, and more. Find out who is involved, what programs are used to invest in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Michael Berube, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation at the Department of Energy shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC on what the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)’s goal is with bioenergy, biomass in sustainable transportation including sustainable aviation fuel, and more. READ
by Cassandra Sulmeisters (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Senior Research Fellow Bob McCormick was recently recognized with one of the highest honors by the American Chemical Society (ACS): the Henry H. Storch Award in Energy Chemistry for his research on alternative and low-carbon fuels, including the chemistry
(Scottish Enterprise) A new fund to help develop the emerging CO2 utilisation technology has been launched. The CO2 Utilisation Challenge Fund will help businesses and organisations develop and commercialise the technology, which involves harnessing and converting CO2 – the biggest contributor to climate change emissions – and using it to
(Preem) As part of the strategy to switch to large-scale renewable fuel production, Preem will sign a SEK 3 billion loan agreement with Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK). The loan is covered by the Swedish National Debt Office’s program for green credit guarantees. This is the first guarantee the Swedish National
(U.S. Department of Energy) Since 2018, a multi-laboratory consortium, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and guided by an industrial advisory board, has focused on adding co-processing of bio-oils into existing refinery units with petroleum feedstocks to produce sustainable transportation fuels. Together, this consortium addresses the most critical
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced steps the USDA is taking to implement President Biden’s plan to enable energy independence by boosting homegrown biofuels. “President Biden understands that by expanding our ability to meet our energy needs with homegrown biofuels, we can ensure a more
(Argonne National Laboratory) Made from organic waste, renewable natural gas is rapidly gaining ground as an alternative fuel source with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Public and private interest in this low-carbon fuel has grown dramatically in recent years, said Marianne Mintz, principal transportation systems analyst at
(U.S. Department of Energy) What is the role of bioenergy in soil carbon storage? Bioenergy provides a powerful way to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase carbon storage in soils, and produce sustainable biomass feedstocks. On March 28–29, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(U.S. Department of Energy) On February 1, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the Gen-1 Ethanol Opportunities: Improving Life Cycle GHG Benefits of Existing Biofuel Production Virtual Workshop. The workshop was designed to gather stakeholder input to assess the potential of current and developing technologies to meet BETO
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Funds will generate more capacity for biofuels in Missouri. — The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced it has invested more than $2 million in projects that increase the distribution and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the State of Missouri. Expenses incurred
(Bergeson & Campbell) On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on “New Chemical Risk Management Actions under TSCA.” As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review of new biobased or waste-derived chemicals that could displace current,
(KLGR) Two Senate Ag Committee members recently urged the Environmental Protection Agency to update its greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels. Senators John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, and Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, asked the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comment on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels. ACE CEO Brian Jennings and ACE Board Director Ron Alverson contributed to the feedback after attending
by Daniel B. Fishman and Anne Otwell (U.S. Department of Energy) National laboratories discover the telltale signs of algae distress to target effective treatments and mitigate crop collapse. — Algae are an exciting renewable feedstock for the future of sustainable fuels and products. One particularly interesting application, which the U.S.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you want to know what is being done to overcome current limitations for conversion of algae biomass to fuels and bioproducts by efficient utilization of proteins and carbohydrates, which are the dominant components of algae biomass at high growth rate and more, check out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 50-70% of bioprocessing costs are associated with separations, so there is a need to raise technical maturity of separations for biomass-derived intermediate and product streams while reducing costs and addressing the major separation challenges. So what is the U.S. DOE BETO Bioprocessing Separations Consortium doing
by Kristen Mally Dean (Argonne National Laboratory) Using hydrous ethanol as a dual fuel in internal combustion engines may help reduce greenhouse gases in the rail industry. — … Essam El-Hannouny, a principal mechanical engineer at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, won a Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF) Award
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NREL is focusing on commodity productswith sufficient market sizes to aid biofuels production (e.g., adipic acid), working with Lignin Util. & SepConfor lignin substrates, and developing innovative biocatalysts and bioprocesses for lignin valorization. Get all the latest on their progress and research outcomes so far
by Valerie Sarisky-Reed (U.S. Department of Energy) … The journal Nature Biotechnology recently published a paper featuring cutting-edge work funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The article details a carbon-negative platform that uses microorganisms to convert carbon captured from agricultural, industrial, and societal waste streams into useful chemicals.
(Chemical Processing) Novel electrocatalyst-based system operates at mild conditions and produces hydrogen — A research team at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, Wash., has developed a patent-pending system that uses a flow cell bioreactor to turn carbon previously considered unrecoverable from so-called biocrude (aqueous waste streams) into valuable
by Estella Shi, Will Sommer, Andrew Smiddy (U.S. Energy Information Administration) In our Annual Energy Outlook 2022 (AEO2022) Reference case, which reflects current laws and regulations, we project that renewable diesel supply (domestic production and net imports) will exceed biodiesel supply in the near term. We project that renewable diesel supply will increase to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA in holding webinars on March 23 and April 6 related to its January 2022 announcement that the agency is launching a new initiative under the Toxic Substances Control Act that aims to streamline the review of new biobased fuels and chemicals that could be
(Red River Farm Network) The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is closely monitoring an effort in the state legislature that would allow year-round use of E15. The petroleum marketers came to the corn growers with a proposal to market higher ethanol blends in the state. “Their concern, of course, is what
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Topsoe’s Mikala Grubb stepped in. “What we have is a solids to liquids conversion problem.” The room went quiet, quiet like a church. “750 delegates negotiating in a small hotel but you can hear a watch ticking,” that silence. What she was describing was the
(Newswise/Argonne National Laboratory) New chemical separations enable battery recycling, biodiesel — When recycling cans and bottles, at some point it becomes necessary to separate out plastic from metal. When recycling car batteries, getting out the most valuable metals also requires a separation, but this time it entails a specific kind of chemical
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing new and updated resources to support states as they work to address the climate crisis and reduce climate pollution. These resources include new state-level data on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and sinks, updates to EPA’s existing State Inventory Tool
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the FCIC’s latest slide guide on their current research areas, feedstock
(U.S. Department of Energy) Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is striving to bring more low- and zero-net-carbon sustainable aviation fuel to the market. The equivalent of 30,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools—that’s how much jet fuel the United States consumes in a typical
(U.S. Department of Energy ) On December 1, 2021, a United 737 Max 8 carried more than 100 passengers from Chicago to Washington, D.C.—just one of roughly 87,000 flights over the United States that day. Reporters and TV crews gathered to meet the travelers on the tarmac because this flight differed
(FlexFuelForward.com/National Renewable Energy Laboratory) You don’t need x-ray vision to see if your fueling infrastructure is compatible with E15. Just use Flex Check to search components by manufacturer, model number, or component category (such as: above ground equipment, above ground tank, overfill prevention, piping, pumping equipment, release detection, and others). If
by Jay Stowe (GE Aviation/Biobased Diesel Daily) After leading USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on a tour of the engine development assembly facility at GE Aviation’s headquarters in Evendale, Ohio, in early December, chief engineer Chris Lorence posed a rhetorical question to the reporters assembled for a news conference: “What does the
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) empowers energy companies and aviation stakeholders by supporting advances in research, development, and demonstration to overcome barriers for widespread deployment of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF made from renewable biomass and waste resources have the potential to deliver the performance of
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is driving research and development on a wide range of technologies and manufacturing improvements that make biofuels and bioproducts cost competitive and effective at meeting the needs of people and businesses. This fact sheet provides an overview of
(U.S. Department of Energy) In an effort to build a 100% clean energy economy, the United States is investing in research to develop innovative products made from biological material. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet these goals will require more than solely replacing fossil fuels used for transportation. Reductions must also
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office supports public and private partners that work to improve and increase the use of algae for production of biofuels and bioproducts. This fact sheet provides an overview of this support. Algae: A Single Cell for Multiple Solutions Fact Sheet
by Amy Mayer (Agri-Pulse) A minor oilseed may be poised to take on a larger role as climate-smart policies emphasize low carbon fuels and the soil health benefits of cover crops. Camelina is seen by some as a cover crop that recoups a farmer’s investment because it can be harvested instead
Moving Emerging Tech and Rural Development Forward: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA RBCS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) loan guarantees, grants, and technical assistance support the bioeconomy and rural economic development, so what are some of these programs? What are some of the biogas and biobased programs and where can you find more information on programs available to
(Aemetis) Aemetis contracts with the city of Riverbank, California for lease/purchase of an industrial site with 710,000 square feet of production buildings, four miles of railroad, and power substation — Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX), a leading producer of dairy Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and developer of the “Carbon Zero” renewable jet/diesel biorefineries,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new Request for Information (RFI) on the scale-up and demonstration of renewable fuels. The RFI, titled “Overcoming Barriers to Renewable Fuel Scale-Up and Demonstration,” seeks input from biofuels producers and technology developers about their readiness to scale process
by Kevin Morrison (Argus Media) Australia’s federal government will provide A$33.5mn ($23.8mn) in funding to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel as part of a new round of financial support of around A$110mn for the country’s aviation sector. The rest of the funding will be
(Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA/Federal Register)This Notice is to invite applications under the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) for fiscal year (FY) 2022, subject to availability of funding. This Notice is being issued in order to allow applicants enough time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency
by Lynn Wendt (Idaho National Laboratory) … Loblolly pine, or more specifically the pine residue from commercial tree harvesting in Southern U.S. forests, has the potential for a major impact on bioenergy infrastructure. Its low cost and widespread abundance have made it a promising domestic biomass resource for fuels, chemicals,
(Blue Biofuels/Globe Newswire) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (PINK: BIOF) Blue Biofuels, Inc. (the “Company” or “BIOF”) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (“USDA ARS”) are collaborating on optimizing the yields of Pennisetum hybridum, commonly known as king grass, a perennial grass biomass crop, that the Company is using as feedstock
(Valencia Plaza (Google Translation)) The Valencia City Council has begun to install the 300 new domestic oil recycling containers, which are expected to be located in different streets and squares of the city of Valencia until the beginning of next year, according to municipal sources. The vice mayor and councilor for
(Health Effects Institute) A new report published by HEI brings together for the first time comprehensive global estimates of the most common sources of fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution and its impacts on global health. Key findings in the report, Global Burden of Disease from Major Air Pollution Sources (GBD MAPS), show
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) In the Push To Settle the Red Planet, One Startup Company Thinks NREL’s Ethylene-Emitting Cyanobacteria Offer Otherworldly Potential — Do not expect to breathe freely in the oxygen-lean Martian air. At about 95% carbon dioxide (CO2) by volume, Mars’ atmosphere would quickly lead to asphyxiation, at least
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its announcement today of $700 million to provide COVID-19 pandemic aid for our nation’s biofuel producers. Originally announced in June, the aid package represents direct payments available for biofuel producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the pandemic,
by Mary Ann Showalter (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Bioenergy experts identify critical areas, opportunities for bringing technology to aviation industry — A report has been published summarizing a workshop designed to accelerate the commercialization of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The report, “Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Path to
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has awarded an additional $350,000 in funding to scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop a pilot scale system for turning biomass into sustainable aviation fuel. The NREL team has published new research about its fully integrated process to produce a fuel
(Agile BioFoundry) The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) supports groundbreaking technologies from the DOE national laboratories and industry partners. Two of these partners, the Agile BioFoundry and Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), are joining forces to advance biomanufacturing and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “This is a notable partnership,”
(California Air Resources Board/Biobased Diesel Daily) The California Air Resources Board contracted with the University of California at Riverside Bourns College of Engineering-Center for Environmental Research and Technology to evaluate oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter emissions from the use of renewable diesel/biodiesel blends in one on-road and one off-road
by Estella Shi (Hydrocarbon Processing) In October 2021, the EIA began publishing expanded data on biofuels other than ethanol in their monthly energy review (MER), including production, imports, feedstocks, and consumption. The expanded biofuels data provide a more detailed look at fuels previously grouped under renewable fuels except for ethanol, which
(Australian Renewable Energy Agency) The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today (November 23, 2021) announced that it will play a key role in the development and delivery of the German-Australian Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator known as HyGATE. ARENA will team up with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research
(Terravesta) Support for UK bioenergy is gathering pace. On Energy Day at COP26, the government issued a Biomass Policy Statement (BPS) which recognises the role bioenergy plays in delivering both global and UK net zero targets. It’s been issued alongside the recent biomass call for evidence to help develop policies to support
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) … One approach to making soy jet fuel relies on the use of a precious metal called ruthenium to catalyze reactions that chemically modify the structure and properties of the oil’s unsaturated fatty acids. The problem with this approach is that it generates too few aromatic compounds,
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Biological Conversion Makes It Possible To Upcycle Polyester Into Performance-Advantaged Bioproducts — From overflowing landfills to floating garbage islands in the oceans to microplastics in remote wilderness areas, billions of tons of discarded plastic have created a global pollution crisis. NREL and ORNL researchers have developed a
by Steven Ashby (Tri-City Herald) … Scientists at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are among those conducting research related to carbon capture and storage. Building on their first-of-its-kind demonstration project to inject CO2 into the basalt in nearby Wallula, Wash., they are advancing solutions that could be replicated around the world. More
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) Carbon fees as high as $35 per metric ton could decrease U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 19% compared to 2020 levels, according to analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In its Analysis of Carbon Fee Runs Using the Annual Energy Outlook
(International Renewable Energy Agency) New roadmaps on green hydrogen support policy makers to enable net zero commitments. — The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Economic Forum launched today a jointly developed series of “Enabling Measures Roadmaps for Green Hydrogen” at the UN Climate Conference COP26 in Glasgow. The new
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Barriers to Scale: Algae Crop Protection Workshop covered the topic of algae crop protection to facilitate scaling of the algae industry. The workshop convened experts in algal research and production, as well as from those outside the industry such as regulatory bodies and agriculture/aquaculture experts, to discuss where
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Investment, Climate smart agriculture. Incentives. Markets. These are words heard repeatedly at the opening sessions of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit this week near Washington, DC. The first day of the conference was the US Department of
(U.S. Grains Council/GrainNet) A new study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is out now that shows all vehicles in the study countries are highly likely to be compatible with E10. Motorcycles and scooters similarly analyzed in India and Indonesia have full compatibility with E10, and many are also compatible with E15. The
by Jennifer Nichols (Atlantic News Telegraph) … (Congressman Cindy) Axne, along with USDA’s Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small visited Elite Octane Tuesday morning, and said the bill includes $2 billion for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to provide grants to farmers and small
by Katy Christiansen (Department of Energy) …The first tool, Feedstock to Function, addresses one of the biggest hurdles involved in starting biojet fuel research: knowing whether a molecule could be viable as a fuel. “During early stage development, we are often missing experimentally measured properties of viable jet fuel molecules,” said
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The National Academy of Sciences concluded that bioeconomy pathways are among the largest potential contributors to carbon drawdown, which is essential to avoiding the worst long-term impacts of climate change. The goal of a Lawrence Livermore National Lab and UC Berkeley project is to quantify
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and clean hydrogen company Electric Hydrogen have signed an agreement to develop high-performance electrolyzer components, helping to scale clean hydrogen and invent new opportunities for decarbonization. The three-year, $3.6 million collaboration will diagnose sources of degradation in commercial electrolysis cells and will
(Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking) The European Parliament voted today in favour of Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the successor of BBI JU, by adopting a legislative proposal on the establishment of joint undertakings for the 2021-2027 period. The Council of the EU is expected to adopt the proposal by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … So, here’s what our intrepid team led by Jeffrey Blackburn and Wei Xiong did. Knowing that plants have two systems inside them for photosynthesis, and that the second doesn’t play well with others, the genetically engineered cyanobacteria to shut down the pathway and then snapped the re-imagined cell to
(U.S. Department of Energy) In our International Energy Outlook 2021, we estimate the global light-duty vehicle (LDV) fleet contained 1.31 billion vehicles in 2020, and we project this fleet will grow to 2.21 billion vehicles by 2050. We project electric vehicles (EVs)—any LDV with a charging plug—will grow from 0.7% of the
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) A more sustainable farming sector, lower industrial emissions, more efficient biochemical production—National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) scientists and industry partners expect sizable benefits from three new projects to commercialize bioinsecticides, enzymatic carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization, and cell-free biocatalysis. Pulling a combined $750,000 from the U.S. Department
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the recent announcement of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy’s BETO shared this slide guide on their sustainable aviation fuel strategy, featuring BETO Director, Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, and Zia Haq, BETO Senior Analyst. From types of SAF feedstocks to
(SoCalGas) The reactor is part of a $5 million project funded by the Department of Energy — SoCalGas’ biomethanation reactor system will be used to help produce renewable energy as part of a power-to-gas demonstration. This system will be installed at an anaerobic digester facility in Clinton, Maine in early 2023.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This just released slide guide looks at the Co-optimization of Fuels & Engines initiative’s accomplishments, what might come next for internal combustion engine research in a rapidly changing world, factoring in increased vehicle electrification and a pressing need to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation,
by Amanda Barry (Los Alamos National Laboratory) … When we talk about algae, we’re really talking about a diverse group of organisms that thrive in a plethora of environments, from seawater to freshwater, from pulp mill ponds to hot springs. Some are strict phototrophs and can only use light for
(CGIAR) The Government of India’s concerted efforts to replace 20% fossil fuels with ethanol blends by 2025 is attracting agricultural entrepreneurs to invest in renewable energy. This week, Mr Lalit Jhawar and Mr Mayank Gupta, two young IIT graduates running a profitable farming venture in Maharashtra, accompanied by biofuel experts Mr YB
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Argonne National Laboratory’s Systems Assessment Center on Oct. 11 announced the 2021 release of the suite of GREET models, an analytical tool that stimulates the energy use and emissions output of vehicle and fuel combinations. Major expansions and updates included in GREET 2021 include those
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and clean hydrogen company Electric Hydrogen have signed an agreement to develop high-performance electrolyzer components, helping to scale clean hydrogen and invent new opportunities for decarbonization. The three-year, $3.6 million collaboration will diagnose sources of degradation in commercial electrolysis cells and will
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles that can run on higher blends like
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable
by Meghan Gordon and Maya Weber (S&P Global) …EIA expects global energy demand to increase 47% in the next 30 years, driven by population and economic growth, particularly in developing Asian countries. This will require increased oil and natural gas production, absent technological breakthroughs or significant policy changes. Liquid fuel
(U.S. Department of Energy) Tthe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $8 million for nine cooperative projects that will complement existing H2@Scale efforts and support DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goal to drive down the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% within the decade. The selected projects, or cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), will
Building Trust in Sustainable Biomass: The Digest’s 2021 Multi-Slide Guide to Biomass Communications
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed Oak Ridge National Lab’s Keith Kline’s introductory remarks at ABLC Digital, now’s your chance to check out his slide guide covering how to build public confidence and trust in the role of biomass in sustainable circular economies. READ MORE
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) … The agency announced on Wednesday plans to tap funds from the Commodity Credit Corp. as part of what USDA calls a “comprehensive investment package.” The $3 billion package is aimed at supporting drought resilience and response, animal disease prevention, market disruption relief and purchase
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are literally tons of food waste per year but biofilm can help increase hydrolysis and methanogenesis reaction rates and help solve anaerobic digestion challenges. Take a look at Argonne National Lab’s latest on how they are improving reaction kinetics to increase methane yield while reducing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Sept. 3 for the first time released U.S. capacity data for biorefineries that produce renewable diesel, renewable heating oil, renewable jet fuel, renewable naphtha and gasoline, and “other” renewable fuels and intermediate products. As of Jan. 1, 2021, the EIA
(EcoEngineers) Guide gives Iowans a glimpse into emerging RNG industry and its opportunities — The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) have spent several years talking about and exploring biogas potential in the State of Iowa. Both groups remain committed to broadening Iowa’s renewable energy base, creating new job opportunities, and
(Ready.gov) Emergencies and disasters can be scary, but there are ways to help you stay safe before, during, and even after a disaster. Here, you can play games to become a Disaster Master and learn how to build an emergency kit. You will meet our friend Pedro the Penguin, who
(Department of Energy/Argonne National Laboratory/EurekAlert!) Argonne’s Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies Model (GREET), using data provided by Gevo, is expected to yield results about its carbon footprint within a few months. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory recently partnered with Gevo, Inc., a Colorado-based
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest reported a few days ago on the Biden administration’s goal of reaching 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 but how do we get there? NREL shares this illuminating slide guide on how to reach
(Missouri Department of Agriculture/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority announced Sept. 2 the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program to increase the distribution and use of biofuels in the state of Missouri. Funds will be awarded to fuel retailers, fuel distributors, terminal companies or fleet operations that dispense,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States and Puerto Rico — U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure (PDF, 631 KB) and to help rural communities, agricultural producers
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration’s new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 – – As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels. These investments will advance technologies to create replacements for petroleum fuels used in heavy-duty forms of transportation, like airplanes and
(BioCycle Magazine) The City of Longmont has five bays and 16 fueling positions for its current fleet of RNG-fueled collection vehicles. — In 2018, the City of Longmont, Colorado began construction of a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at its Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) to make fuel to utilize in
Workshop on Biofuel Greenhouse Gas Modeling — February 28-March 1, 2022 — ONLINE Public Comments DEADLINE: April 1, 2022
EPA is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 – March 1, 2022. This is a virtual meeting and open to the public. The purpose of this workshop is to solicit information on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based crop biofuels